Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 17: Quad Recovery at Risk: Can You Afford to Skip NMES and Strength Testing?

Dr. Lynn Snyder-Mackler, internationally renowned researcher and clinician in knee injury rehabilitation, returns to join host Phil Plisky for an in-depth conversation on strength testing and electrical stimulation after ACL reconstruction. Together, Phil and Lynn dig into why measuring quad strength isn't just important—it's essential—and explore practical, clinic-ready solutions when isokinetic equipment isn’t available. From overcoming neuromuscular inhibition to reframing patient conversations around NMES, you’ll walk away with tools to rethink your post-op ACL approach and better track progress where it matters most.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence supporting the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and objective strength testing as essential interventions in post-operative ACL rehabilitationApply evidence-based strategies to implement NMES and strength testing methods in clinical practice to assess and improve quadriceps activation and strengthEvaluate patient case scenarios involving NMES and strength testing after ACL reconstruction to identify appropriate measurement tools, interpret results, and make informed rehabilitation decisionsTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:23) Introduction to strength testing and electrical stimulation(00:02:55) Importance of measuring quad strength(00:06:13) Challenges in assessing quad strength(00:09:06) Strength training and testing techniques(00:12:04) Options for measuring quad strength(00:14:46) Activation failure and electrical stimulation(00:18:12) Research on electrical stimulation benefits(00:20:54) Practical applications of electrical stimulation(00:23:48) Patient engagement and education(00:26:48) Key takeaways and future directionsRehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab⁠⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/